Strong turnout at Banbury’s beer festival

More than 1,500 people turned out for a tipple at Banbury’s 15th annual beer festival at the Territorial Army Centre off Oxford Road.

With well over 100 real ales, ciders and perries on offer visitors were spoiled for choice with golden ales, ambers, milds and stouts from a range local breweries from Oxfordshire and across the UK.

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Running from May 7 to 9, the Welsh-themed festival featured a diverse range ales from Newport and so it was only fitting that folk singer Pete Watkins made an appearance, as well as Leatherat and blues guitarist Rev Ferriday.

Many barrels were sponsored by local businesses and individuals while on Saturday Hook Norton Brewery’s dray was available providing lifts back into the town centre.

Organiser Tim Wilkins, said: “We were delighted with the response from the customers that came in and the bands we had on were well received. I would like to thank all of the volunteers.”

Senior bar manager Andrew Davison, added: “All our beers and ciders were in great condition and we had great comments about the selection of beers, ciders an perries.

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Siren Craft Brewery’s Soundwave West Coast IPA was named champion beer, while the prize for the best perry was scooped by Somerset-based Nempnett’s with their Piglets Choice.